Consulting for change

FOUNDER: Nell Derick Debevoise
WHAT IT DOES: Training M.B.A. candidates to do consulting work for nonprofits and social-impact companies
WHERE IT'S BASED: Chelsea
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 5

In early 2014, Nell Derick Debevoise, 34, was looking for an intern for her nonprofit consulting firm, Inspiring Capital, and was shocked when applicants with for-profit experience started flooding her inbox. Ivy League M.B.A.s and consultants from McKinsey and major financial organizations wanted to put their skills to work in areas such as youth services and homelessness.

Sensing an opportunity, Ms. Debevoise expanded her mission: Inspiring Capital would become not only a consulting firm for nonprofits, but also a training institute for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

This year, Inspiring Capital has hired more than a dozen business-school students for its summer program--and given them 150 hours of training each. The students are placed into paid fellowships with organizations, including the Doe Fund and Guggenheim Partners, that pay a fee to Inspiring Capital to make use of the fellows' budding business skills on short-term projects.

After a successful pilot program this spring, Inspiring Capital plans to launch a similar "returnship" for women looking to re-enter the workforce in the nonprofit or social sectors.

With revenue somewhere between $600,000 and $700,000 this year, and matching support from universities, Inspiring Capital should break even. Ms. Debevoise plans to grow by franchising her training program across the country.

"Our work is all about financial stability and independence for our organization, so that we don't rely on the will of donors," Ms. Debevoise said.